ADB stresses better coordination in project implementation
Better coordination between donors and executing agencies are needed for successful implementation of projects, analysts said yesterday.They emphasised reducing start-up delays, speedy selection of project directors as well as approval of development project proposals and the government's responsiveness.
They spoke at a seminar, Sharing Good Practices in Project Implementation, from the implementation of the Emergency Disaster Damage Rehabilitation Sector Project, organised by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at its resident mission.
Masud Ahmed, a member of the Planning Commission, other senior officials, heads of agencies, project directors and development partner representatives attended the seminar.
Stefan Ekelund, unit head of the portfolio management of ADB, said start-up delays are one of the major reasons for the low utilisation of funds. “It takes an average 15 months from loan approval to first disbursement of funds.”
Mohammad Nazrul Islam, a project officer, made a presentation on the background and outcomes of the Emergency Disaster Damage Rehabilitation Sector Project.
He showed that prompt response had helped restore socioeconomic activities of 25 million people in 51 districts affected by the flood disasters in 2007.
ADB provided $116 million assistance for the $280 million project in 2008 following devastating floods and a cyclone in late 2007.
Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Canadian International Development Agency, the OPEC Fund for International Development and the Embassy of the Netherlands co-financed the project with $125 million and the remaining $39 million was provided by the government.
The project funds were used to repair about 2,000 kilometres of roads, 6,600 metres of bridges and culverts, 337 kilometres of embankments, 49 kilometres flood protection works, 15 flood shelters, 10 cyclone shelters and 96 kilometres of drains were either constructed, repaired and or rehabilitated.
Mentioning reasons for successful implementation of the project, Stefan cited early approval of DPP, excellent government coordination mechanism, early engagement of consultants, random spot checks, strong supervision, performance audit, flexible and simple project design drove the project to success.
Citing the implementation experience of the project, the ADB unit head hoped that the executing agencies and the development partners would be able to succeed jointly in case of other projects.
“So, let's replicate some of the lessons from this project,” he added.
Ahmed Faruq who made a post-implementation evaluation on the project said the economic benefit of the project was high.